If you’re considering taking hydroxyzine for anxiety, you must understand how this medication works. Keep reading to learn what this drug is, how it can effectively treat anxiety and other conditions, how it makes you feel, what side effects or drug interactions you should be aware of if you take it, and more.
What is Hydroxyzine Pamoate?
The difference between hydroxyzine and other antihistamines is that hydroxyzine affects serotonin levels and has been found successful in treating anxiety instudies. However, it’s important to point out that hydroxyzine is generally not used as a first-line treatment forgeneralized anxiety disorder(GAD).
How does hydroxyzine pamoate work?
Hydroxyzine’s mechanism of action involves inhibiting certain reactions in the body that cause allergy symptoms.
Hydroxyzine prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Hydroxyzine from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.Get started
Hydroxyzine prescription onlineGet an evaluation and prescription for Hydroxyzine from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Hydroxyzine prescription online
Get an evaluation and prescription for Hydroxyzine from a psychiatric provider licensed in your state.
Medications like hydroxyzine act on H-1 histamine receptors to suppress histamines released during allergic reactions — histamine simulation can have an anxiety-related effect. The drug has sedative properties that can reduce activity in the central nervous system, helping alleviate anxiety and tension.
How does hydroxyzine pamoate make you feel?
While people can react differently to medication based on factors like dosage and personal response to a drug, most report feeling calm, drowsiness, or sleepiness after taking hydroxyzine — this is due to the sedative effect the drug has. For more information on its effect, learnhow long it takes for hydroxyzine to work.
Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently to medication, so while some people may find relief using hydroxyzine for anxiety, others might not have the same results.
Hydroxyzine Pamoate Uses
For those not familiar with the drug, it’s common to wonderwhat is hydroxyzine used for?
Researchfound a significant reduction in generalized anxiety disorder symptoms among participants taking hydroxyzine compared to placebo users.
Off-label uses
While it’s primarily known for its effectiveness in treating anxiety and allergies, hydroxyzine uses can also include a few off-label applications, too.
Assessing the advantages and disadvantages is important before taking any medication.
Pros & Cons of Hydroxyzine PamoateProsConsProven efficacy for anxiety or allergies.Potential side effects including constipation, confusion, dry mouth, and fatigue or extreme drowsiness.Safety profile generally favorable compared to similar medications on the market — most people experience mild, if any, side effects.Not recommended for people who are pregnant or older than 65.Safe for use in children.Can cause irregular heartbeat when taken with other medications.“Hydoxyzine is non-habit forming, making it a great choice for patients with concerns of dependence on medications.”–Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Muhammad Munir, MD, DFAPA
Pros & Cons of Hydroxyzine Pamoate
ProsConsProven efficacy for anxiety or allergies.Potential side effects including constipation, confusion, dry mouth, and fatigue or extreme drowsiness.Safety profile generally favorable compared to similar medications on the market — most people experience mild, if any, side effects.Not recommended for people who are pregnant or older than 65.Safe for use in children.Can cause irregular heartbeat when taken with other medications.
“Hydoxyzine is non-habit forming, making it a great choice for patients with concerns of dependence on medications.”
Side Effects of Hydroxyzine PamoateLike any medication, hydroxyzine can have common side effects. Potential reactions to hydroxyzine can differ from person to person, so it’s not guaranteed that everyone will experience the followingside effects of hydroxyzine pamoate.Mild side effectsWhile beneficial for many people dealing with anxiety disorders, potential side effects cannot be ignored. Mild side effects associated with taking hydroxyzine can include:SleepinessDizzinessSkin reaction, allergic reaction, or skin rashDry mouthFatigueHeadacheConstipationConfusionThese are typically transient problems that diminish with time.Serious side effectsIn rare cases, while you’re taking hydroxyzine for anxiety or other conditions, more serious symptoms might emerge, such as:Severe dizzinessHeadache with chest painPounding, fast heart rateDifficulty breathingSeizureIf you notice drastic changes in your health after starting this medication, it is critical to reach out immediately for professional medical help.Note:This list does not cover all possible side effects; always consult a healthcare provider if concerns arise while using this drug.
Side Effects of Hydroxyzine Pamoate
Like any medication, hydroxyzine can have common side effects. Potential reactions to hydroxyzine can differ from person to person, so it’s not guaranteed that everyone will experience the followingside effects of hydroxyzine pamoate.
Mild side effects
While beneficial for many people dealing with anxiety disorders, potential side effects cannot be ignored. Mild side effects associated with taking hydroxyzine can include:
These are typically transient problems that diminish with time.
Serious side effects
In rare cases, while you’re taking hydroxyzine for anxiety or other conditions, more serious symptoms might emerge, such as:
If you notice drastic changes in your health after starting this medication, it is critical to reach out immediately for professional medical help.
Note:This list does not cover all possible side effects; always consult a healthcare provider if concerns arise while using this drug.
Hydroxyzine Pamoate Dosage
Like any medication, taking the correct dosage is important. Your healthcare provider can determine the exact dose that’s right for you, based on factors like your condition and response to therapy. Adjustments can be made depending on your response to treatment.
Standard dosing for itching or allergies ranges from 25 -100 mg per day, divided into separate doses. The dosage for anxiety can differ slightly and will always ultimately depend on your doctor’s prescription.
Additional ConsiderationsHydroxyzine can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize it, unless your next scheduled intake is almost due. In that case, just resume your usual routine starting with the next dose.Don’t double up on this medication. Do not stop taking hydroxyzine without consulting a healthcare professional because withdrawal symptoms could occur.InteractionsIf you take other medications orsupplements for anxiety, you should know that some drugs can interact with hydroxyzine. For instance, combining this medication with central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines could amplify sedative effects.Other antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, and even some antidepressants also have potential adverse reactions when taken alongside hydroxyzine.Like any medication, inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you currently use before starting hydroxyzine.Any of the following medications should not be used with hydroxyzine:AlfuzosinAmiodaroneAmisulprideAmitriptylineAmprenavirBromoprideBuprenorphineBuserelinCalcium OxybateCeritinibDolasetronDomperidoneDonepezilFluoxetineGonadorelinHydroxyzineIbutilideMagnesium OxybateMefloquineNilotinibNorfloxacinOctreotideProtriptylineQuetiapineRisperidoneRitonavirSafinamideTriptorelinVinflunineVoclosporinVoriconazoleVorinostatZiprasidone*Note: This list is not exhaustive — inform your doctor of all medications you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter.WarningsThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that people with certain health conditions should use caution while taking hydroxyzine.Let your doctor know if you have a history of glaucoma, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or urinary retention problems. These conditions may worsen due to the drug’s side effects.Mental health factors shouldn’t be overlooked either — depression or anxiety disorders may potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases during a hydroxyzine treatment course.Pregnancy and breastfeeding warningsIf you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, discuss any risks associated with Hydroxyzine pamoate usage during pregnancy with your doctor. Hydroxyzine can harm unborn babies, and enough research hasn’t been done to determine breastfeeding safety.Opportunity for clinician quote — provide any clinical advice for warnings
Additional Considerations
Hydroxyzine can be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you realize it, unless your next scheduled intake is almost due. In that case, just resume your usual routine starting with the next dose.
Don’t double up on this medication. Do not stop taking hydroxyzine without consulting a healthcare professional because withdrawal symptoms could occur.
Interactions
If you take other medications orsupplements for anxiety, you should know that some drugs can interact with hydroxyzine. For instance, combining this medication with central nervous system depressants like alcohol or benzodiazepines could amplify sedative effects.
Other antihistamines, barbiturates, muscle relaxants, and even some antidepressants also have potential adverse reactions when taken alongside hydroxyzine.
Like any medication, inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs you currently use before starting hydroxyzine.
Any of the following medications should not be used with hydroxyzine:
*Note: This list is not exhaustive — inform your doctor of all medications you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter.
Warnings
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises that people with certain health conditions should use caution while taking hydroxyzine.
Let your doctor know if you have a history of glaucoma, heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or urinary retention problems. These conditions may worsen due to the drug’s side effects.
Mental health factors shouldn’t be overlooked either — depression or anxiety disorders may potentially exacerbate symptoms in some cases during a hydroxyzine treatment course.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings
If you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant, discuss any risks associated with Hydroxyzine pamoate usage during pregnancy with your doctor. Hydroxyzine can harm unborn babies, and enough research hasn’t been done to determine breastfeeding safety.
Opportunity for clinician quote — provide any clinical advice for warnings
Hydroxyzine Pamoate Alternatives
There are alternatives to hydroxyzine for anxiety, like Propranolol and Clonidine. Your healthcare provider might also recommend other medications depending on your health condition and medical history.
Benzodiazepines
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Researchsuggests that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — antidepressants — can effectively treat some anxiety disorders. SSRIs affect serotonin levels in the brain, a mood-regulating neurotransmitter. Zoloft has the least risk of side effects and is one of the most effective SSRIs known for anxiety.
Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)
Your doctor might recommend the serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI)venlafaxine for anxietysymptoms. SNRIs enhance serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the brain — two critical neurotransmitters involved in managing depression and anxiety disorders symptoms.
Online Hydroxyzine Pamoate PrescriptionGetting a prescription for hydroxyzine for anxiety can be easy, and it can often be done with a prescription forHydroxyzine online. Talkspace offers convenientonline psychiatryservices from licensed psychiatrists who can treat and prescribemedication for anxiety.Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about convenient, affordable, flexible care so you can start on the path of therapy and medication to treat your anxiety. You don’t have to allow symptoms of anxiety to take over your life any longer — help is available, and Talkspace is here for you.
Online Hydroxyzine Pamoate Prescription
Getting a prescription for hydroxyzine for anxiety can be easy, and it can often be done with a prescription forHydroxyzine online. Talkspace offers convenientonline psychiatryservices from licensed psychiatrists who can treat and prescribemedication for anxiety.
Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about convenient, affordable, flexible care so you can start on the path of therapy and medication to treat your anxiety. You don’t have to allow symptoms of anxiety to take over your life any longer — help is available, and Talkspace is here for you.
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